Delicious banana split overnight oats | Healthy breakfast recipe

Delicious Plant-Based Banana Split Overnight Oats | Healthy Breakfast Recipe

Yield: 2

This delicious plant-based banana split overnight oats recipe transforms a classic dessert into a nourishing breakfast. With creamy oats, ripe bananas, and colourful toppings, it’s a fun, flavourful, and satisfying way to start your morning on a healthy note.

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Ingredients

• 1 Cup oats
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 ½ Cups almond milk
• ½ Cup vanilla yoghurt, or yoghurt of choice
• 2 tbsp nut butter of choice
• 1-2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt

Topping

• ½ cup strawberries, diced

Instructions

1. In a bowl, stir together the oats and chia seeds. Add the milk, yoghurt, nut butter, maple syrup to taste, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir very well, cover, and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours.
2. Take the chilled oats and give them a good stir. Gently mix in the chopped strawberries and chocolate chips, saving some for topping. Don't stir too much, or the fruit will break up.
3. To serve, slice the banana in half and then half again lengthwise.
4. Fill two bowls, or glasses, with the overnight oats and top with the sliced banana, the reserved strawberries, and chocolate chips.

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  OATOLOGY Glass Overnight Oats Jar Glass Container with Lid

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 501Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 245mgCarbohydrates: 69gFiber: 8gSugar: 34gProtein: 16g

The banana split is a dessert that has delighted generations with its colourful presentation and sweet, indulgent flavours. Traditionally made with a ripe banana, scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, and a drizzle of chocolate or strawberry sauce, it is a symbol of comfort and joy. But beyond its dessert reputation, the humble banana itself has a fascinating history, incredible nutritional benefits, and plenty of fun facts worth sharing.

The Origin of the Banana Split

The banana split was first created in 1904 by David Evans Strickler, a 23-year-old apprentice pharmacist in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Keen to attract more customers to the store’s soda fountain, Strickler experimented with a long dish, splitting a banana lengthwise, and adding three scoops of ice cream topped with sauces, nuts, and cream. The dessert quickly became a sensation, spreading across the United States and eventually around the world. Today, the banana split is a classic treat, often enjoyed at celebrations or nostalgic family gatherings.

The History of Bananas

Bananas themselves trace their roots much further back than the dessert. Native to Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, bananas have been cultivated for thousands of years. By the 15th and 16th centuries, traders and explorers carried them to Africa and the Americas, where they flourished in tropical climates. Now, bananas are among the most widely consumed fruits globally, with millions of tonnes produced each year, especially in countries such as India, Ecuador, and Brazil.

Nutritional Power of Bananas

Bananas are far more than just a convenient snack. They are rich in essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to a healthy diet:

• Potassium: Supports healthy blood pressure and muscle function.

• Vitamin B6: Aids metabolism and supports brain health.

• Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and protects against oxidative stress.

• Fibre: Helps maintain healthy digestion and keeps you feeling full.

Despite their natural sweetness, bananas have a low to medium glycaemic index, meaning they provide a steady release of energy rather than a sharp sugar spike. This makes them especially valuable for athletes, students, and anyone needing sustained energy throughout the day.

Bananas in Everyday Diets

Because of their versatility, bananas can be used in countless ways. They can be eaten fresh, blended into smoothies, baked into banana bread, or even frozen and whipped into a natural ice cream alternative. In plant-based cooking, bananas often act as a natural sweetener or egg substitute in baking, making them a hero ingredient for vegans and health-conscious cooks alike.

Fun Facts About Bananas

• Bananas are technically berries according to botanical definitions.

• The banana plant is not a tree but a giant herb, with its “trunk” made of tightly packed leaves.

• Over 1,000 varieties of bananas exist worldwide, although the Cavendish variety dominates supermarket shelves.

• Bananas are one of the world’s most exported fruits, contributing significantly to the economies of tropical countries.

• Athletes often eat bananas during endurance events, such as marathons or triathlons, due to their quick energy and easy digestibility.

From Dessert to Healthy Breakfast

While the banana split is traditionally indulgent, modern twists – such as turning it into a plant-based overnight oats recipe – capture the nostalgic flavours while adding nutrition and balance. By combining oats, chia seeds, plant-based milk, and ripe bananas, then topping with berries, nut butter, or a drizzle of dark chocolate, you can enjoy all the fun of a banana split in a wholesome, energising breakfast bowl.